Family Fun in Schaumburg: The Best Day Ever

It’s here, it’s here! Thanksgiving week equals fall break for most kids and they are usually ready to let loose and have some fun. We made it home to Illinois for the holiday, but just because we are home, doesn’t mean we are sitting still. We picked up our nephews and took a ride to Chicago’s northwest suburb of Schaumburg for an overnight adventure. According to my oldest nephew, “it was the best day ever!”

Who could blame him for making such a big proclamation? They watched a helicopter take off while eating lunch, constructed an actual LEGO brick with a pump of the hand, and were noble guests of the king for an exciting tournament of courage.

Schaumburg

Schaumburg is roughly 30 miles from downtown Chicago and 10 miles from O’Hare International Airport. It is home to Woodfield Mall, the 11th largest mall in the United States. It was Black Friday, an American shopping holiday of sorts which is pure madness, so we purposely avoided the mall on this occasion. Honestly, I don’t know how we would have fit shopping in with our busy day. The city of Schaumburg kept us entertained all day long.

Pilot Pete’s Restaurant – Where the Adventure Begins

The first stop of our action-packed day was for lunch at Pilot Pete’s. The aviation-themed restaurant is right on the landing strip at Schaumburg Regional Airport. From the moment we got out of the car, the boys were captivated by the location. We walked around to look at the planes before heading in.

Tip: If you are interested in visiting, December is a great month to do so. The employees were just starting to deck the place out for the holidays and I was told the decorations are over-the-top once completed. They also have a few days where Santa makes an appearance and flies into Pilot Pete’s. Check Facebook for specific dates.

While waiting for our food there was not one dull moment. The boys were constantly noticing different things on the ceiling or walls and pointing them out. They waited patiently for a plane to land or take off. The clouds were low so we explained that we didn’t think we would see any in action while we were there. Then we were fortunate to see a helicopter take off. They thought it was the coolest thing ever.

We ordered the unique lobster nachos, which landed (no pun intended) the restaurant on WGN’s, Chicago’s Best, Best Family Spots. The homemade individual tortilla chips topped with a New England lobster mix, melted Colby Jack cheese, and jalapenos did not disappoint. We also tried the chicken finger waffle sandwich with a honey mustard sauce. The boys ordered macaroni and cheese and a hot dog off the kids menu. All in all, everyone was happy with their meal and thrilled with the restaurant itself.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Chicago

Next on our itinerary was LEGOLAND Discovery Center located at the Streets of Woodfield. Since both nephews said they would like their birthday parties there next year, I’d say it was a hit.

Our experience started with an entire section dedicated to the city of Chicago. The recreation has everything quintessential Chicago: Soldier Field, Navy Pier, the skyline, the Bean, the river, and O’Hare Airport. We were impressed with the amount of detail throughout the exhibit.

As we walked through the Jungle Expedition after, the most asked question was, “how many LEGO bricks do you think it took to make that?”

Next, we climbed aboard our chariot to rid the world of trolls and dragons on the Kingdom Quest laser ride. A rematch was declared loudly as we finished and I, the only girl in the group, was the ultimate champion.

After the ride, we giggled through the short 4D movie. At 12 minutes long, it is the perfect amount of time to keep the attention of any child. The escapade came alive while we dodged, ducked and grasped at objects that seemed like they were within arm’s reach. Air blew in our face as the characters raced down the street, making us feel like we were right there with them. It was one of the highlights of the afternoon for sure.

Tip: There are multiple movies that rotate throughout the day.

Another great experience at LEGOLAND Discovery Center is in the factory room. Professor Brick-a-Brack took us through the entire process of how a LEGO brick is made from start to finish. At the end, the boys were able to press the button to complete the process and make their very own LEGO brick to bring home.

We laughed, we learned, we built, and we played. It was a great afternoon at LEGOLAND Discovery Center.

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament

Our day wasn’t over just yet! For dinner, we joined the royal court for a four-course feast and a tournament of skill at Medieval Times.

We were transported back to a time of allegiance and bravery. Knights battled in the name of honor and chivalry. Spanish horses bolted across the arena as the crowd cheered. We watched as the competition unfolded and the knight with the most strength and ability became champion of the realm. The boys were mesmerized the entire show, I couldn’t think of a better way to end the best day ever!

Chris Travels

Well, Dang (aka Energizer Bunnies) you are at it again, this time with two nephews in tow. You packed into a couple of days what most parents could only manage in a week’s vacation! My idea of fun is far more relaxing, but I’m sure with all the kid friendly activities you planned, you are at the top of the list as favorite Aunt and Uncle in those boys’ eyes!

Thanks Chris, we better be at the top of the list! hahaha We were exhausted and I thought, “how do parents do it?” but you are right they probably don’t try to pack in so many things at once… that’s how! As always, thanks for following along on our adventures.

How fun. The only thing I remember about Schaumburg was IKEA! (I lived in Indianapolis, Indiana, so we’d drive up there to go to IKEA). I love aviation stuff and totally think the restaurant is cute – burgers on waffles? Wow! I haven’t been to a LegoLand yet, but, it’s always been on my agenda.

As a child free person, I admit, I love the idea of all three of these things!